Foreign tourists walk around Gotokuji temple in Tokyo on October 7, 2025. The number of foreign visitors to Japan between January and September was around 31.65 million, marking the fastest pace on record to surpass 30 million within a year. (Kyodo)

TOKYO - The Japanese government is considering charging visiting foreigners a fee of about 2,000 yen ($13) to 3,000 yen for a planned online pre-travel screening system called JESTA, a source familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

Japan aims to launch the electronic travel authorization program in fiscal 2028, as inbound visitors are expected to top 40 million this year, and there are hopes it will generate a steady source of revenue.

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